What does the Chicago Bears cornerback depth chart look like?
With the time to between free agency and the NFL draft, we have been taking a look at the Chicago Bears roster, and how their depth chart would look heading into the season. What does it look like at cornerback, and is their a need?
1. Kyle Fuller
Kyle Fuller was still consistent last season. However, this year more than ever we will learn exactly what he brings without Prince Amukamara across from him. They may draft at the position, but it is almost a guarantee that the name across from him will not be as respected as Amukamara.
2. Kevin Toliver II
When you compare their on-field performance over the past two seasons, Toliver should be listed over Artie Burns. Toliver has first-round talent and fell while Burns was a reach drafted as something he is not. Toliver has shown progression in two straight years and will have a chance to start in the NFL this year.
3. Buster Skrine
Some could argue that Skrine is the number two, and he certainly is experienced enough. However, he is going to man the slot, and they are going to need another corner on the outside. That means a bigger role available currently for Toliver to step into. Still, Skrine is likely to hold down the slot after playing well in 2019.
4. Duke Shelley
Shelley was a late round pick from Kansas State. He is more of a backup to Skrine, and a potential replacement in the next year or so, then he is in competition for the outside job with Toliver.
5. Artie Burns
Burns has been a disappointment, but he is a first-round pick. For a minimum salary, he is worth taking a shot on, and if he does not work out, it does not kill their cap standing.
6. Tre Roberson
Roberson is creating some buzz from the CFL. He signed a two-year, $1.35 million deal, but that salary is easy to eat if he does not make it in camp. There are not many CFL standouts who turn out to make it in the NFL, let alone be starters, but Roberson will take his chance.
7. Xavier Crawford
Xavier Crawford could essentially be looked at as the third string slot cornerback more than the the seventh corner. He is too small to play outside, but is quick footed and explosive. The Bears brought him in late last season after being a 2019 sixth round pick by the Texans.
8. Stephen Denmark
Denmark is younger than Roberson, but Roberson has better tape than Denmark to date and has faced better competition. Denmark is making $610K in annual salary, while Roberson is signed for $667. It is a slight not to Roberson, but the signing of a CFL standout likely does not signify trust in what they saw from Denmark this year.
9. Michael Joseph
Joseph has spent 2018 and 2019 on the Bears practice squad. With the names in front of him, and the thought that the Bears may be drafting a corner, it is going to be an uphill battle for Michael Joseph to make the roster in 2020.
Overall, the Bears will be in serious contention to draft a corner. They cannot trust Toliver, Burns, or Roberson at this point, but at worst, adding another name of depth to this group does not hurt. With Shelley and Crawford as slot depth, they should be primarily looking for a bigger, longer, outside cornerback.